ESPN to bring back classic 2000s music for ‘SEC on ABC’

There was something magical about the SEC on CBS year after year after year.

From the best broadcasters in the business to the best stadiums, best fans, and flat-out best football, you knew when you tuned in at 2:30 CST on a fall Saturday that you were going to see something special.

But what really capped it off for the fans is the iconic theme music that meant it was football time:

Reportedly, the network will use the same music on the Big 10 in 2024 now that it has lost the rights to SEC games, something that feels flat out wrong.

However, in an attempt to bring back some nostalgia, the SEC’s new broadcasting partner, ESPN and ABC, are bringing back the old school College Football on ESPN theme music:

The @SEC on ABC franchise will bring back a fan favorite from the early 2000s, revamping the old school @ESPNCFB theme song 🏈🎶

More on the music kicking off a new era: https://t.co/B9qfzKqphr pic.twitter.com/oNZ4EHq9lx

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 29, 2024

“Music is a crucial element in shaping the storytelling of any broadcast,” said ESPN president of content Burke Magnus. “The opportunity to resurrect a theme song that means so much to college football fans, and so many of us at ESPN, was important as we start this new chapter in our relationship with the SEC.”

Commissioner Greg Sankey also weighed in, praising the network for the decision.

“By reaching into the past and connecting with the present, ESPN is bringing a touch of tradition to a new era of televised SEC sports,” Sankey said. “This re-orchestrated composition will enhance the presentation of SEC football on ABC by bringing a bit of nostalgia to the SEC’s new Saturday television experience.”

While fans will always miss the CBS music, the network and the conference try to bring back some college football nostalgia is nice to see.